Stephanie Meets South Yorkshire PCC

As reported in the Barnsley Chronicle on 15th February, Stephanie recently met with Dr Alan Billings, the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

In the meeting, Stephanie raised the issue of the recent spate of crime in Hoyland, Hoyland Common and Elsecar, and spoke to the PCC about the work South Yorkshire Police are doing on this issue.

They also discussed broader issues surrounding policing in Barnsley East, and ways Stephanie can work with the police on these issues.

Commenting, Stephanie said:

“It was good to meet with the Police and Crime Commissioner to discuss the recent spate of crime in Hoyland, Hoyland Common and Elsecar.

“As the MP for Barnsley East, one of my priorities is to ensure all residents feel safe and secure in our community, and I want to reassure those affected by this that the police and I are doing all we can.

“More broadly, it’s clear that the police are doing an incredibly difficult job – the reality is that Tory cuts since 2010 have left South Yorkshire Police with 480 fewer police officers, and a 36% reduction in its PCSOs.

“The Tories are trying to protect our communities on the cheap, so I’m calling on the Government to end its chronic underfunding of our police to ensure that they’re equipped for the challenges our community faces.”